Previously retired Perreaux with loving Portage

But Jago’s proposal lingered in the back of Perreaux’s mind. Around Christmas time, Perreaux decided to put away his snowboard, re-lace his skates and see if the Terriers were still interested in his services.

They were, and they acquired Perreaux’s rights from the Steinbach Pistons on Jan. 2 and welcomed him to the team. Perreaux said he needed some time away from the rink to reflect, then was itching to get back.

“I think I got into too much of a routine with hockey. Now it’s kind of more relaxed and I can enjoy it,” said Perreaux shortly before two of his teammates came in and jokingly ambushed the phone interview. “Away from the rink, it’s not as strict.”

The opportunity to play with the Terriers was too good to turn down for Perreaux. Not only is Portage La Prairie an hour-and-a-half from his native Brandon, but they were an absolute powerhouse this year.

Heading into the tournament, the Terriers won all but seven of the 72 games they played this season. They went a perfect 12-0 in the playoffs after posting a dominant 53-3-4 regular season record.

Perreaux played his first game with the Terriers on Jan. 9 against the Swan Valley Stampeders. It was his first game in about a nine-month period, but still managed to get a point in it. He finished the regular season with four goals 10 points in 16 games, but heated up in the playoffs with seven goals and eight points in 12 games.

“I was pretty out of shape when I joined the team, that’s for sure,” said Perreaux. “When you join a team that good, you have to find your spot on the team. After that, you gel in with the guys, you know where you are in the lineup.

“It’s fun with a great group of guys. When you’re winning this much, how can it not be fun?”

On Tuesday, the Terriers beat the previously undefeated Penticton Vees with a 3-2 victory. That game was notable for Perreaux as he got to play with former Raider and great friend Dakota Conroy

“It was nice, it was different playing against him for once,” said Perreaux. “I think we’re getting matched against each other, I lined up beside him a couple times.

“It’s nice to see a guy like that not really enjoying it at the beginning of the year, now he’s having fun again and enjoying it out there. They’re having a lot of success too.”

The Terriers automatically have a bye to the RBC Cup national Junior A tournament as they’ll be the host team.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Previously retired Perreaux with loving Portage

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